Build-A-Bear donates AED 20,000 to Dubai Autism Centre in community engagement drive

Build-A-Bear Workshop^®, the place where children make their very own stuffed furry friends, has handed over a donation of AED 20,000 to the Dubai Autism Centre as part of its social responsibility programme.

 “Build-A-Bear Workshop lives by the teddy bear philosophy of being good people and good bears. For 14 years, our Guests have helped us donate over $31 million to important causes such as children’s health and wellness, literacy and education, endangered animals and their habitats, domestic animal shelters, disaster relief and the environment,” said Paul Marks, Build-A-Bear Workshop^® General Manager.

The company and Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) have worked together in the past to bring the children into the stores to make their own furry friends, but this marks the first official relationship between the two organizations “It wasn’t until we visited the children in their own environment that we realized that we’d like to do more.” said Paul Marks, Build-A-Bear Workshop^® General Manager.

Funds were donated at a fun-filled fashion event for kids at the Dubai Mall on the 17^th of November 2012. The Build-A-Bear Workshop^® Fun Day was part of The Dubai Mall’s Stylista Extravaganza, held at the Mall from November 14^th to December 14^th 2012. The fashion show saw twenty children between ages four to twelve model a range of huggable teddy bears from Build-A-Bear Workshop^®, all of which were created by the children at The Dubai Mall Build-A-Bear Workshop^® store earlier that day.

“Build-A-Bear Workshop^® is the world’s only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. We focus on creating a truly unique and above all, memorable experiences for children and adults alike. We were absolutely delighted to participate in The Dubai Mall’s Stylista campaign creating fun events throughout the day culminating in probably one of the most unusual fashion shows ever held in the worlds biggest mall, after all, its not every day you see bears on such a prestigious fashion runway!” said Marks. “But the outcome was even more significant – it’s not every day we get to hand over a cheque to an organization such as the Dubai Autism Centre, and help make children smile in whatever way we can.”

The Build-A-Bear Workshop^® allows guests to create their own furry friend. They choose it, stuff it, and can add a sound and give it a heart full of wishes. They can dress and accessorize it before making a personalized birth certificate and taking it home in its own special Cub-Condo. Each guest leaves with their very own unique furry friend to begin new adventures. Build-A-Bear Workshop^® is where Best Friends are Made!